excuse

[ik-skyooz, ik-skyoos] / ɪkˈskyuz, ɪkˈskyus /

NOUN

reason, explanation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alibi apology justification pretext rationalization substitute trick

STRONG

cleanup cover defense disguise evasion expedient extenuation grounds jive makeshift mitigation plea regrets routine semblance shift song stall stopgap story subterfuge vindication whitewash

WEAK

come-off cop-out cover story coverup fish story song and dance why and wherefore

Antonyms

STRONG

permanent

VERB

forgive, absolve; justify

Synonyms

STRONGEST

acquit condone defend exempt exonerate explain forgive indulge let go pardon relieve spare tolerate

STRONG

alibi appease clear cover discharge exculpate extenuate free liberate mitigate overlook pretext purge rationalize release remit reprieve shrive vindicate whitewash

WEAK

apologize for bear with dispense from exempt from give absolution grant amnesty let off make allowances for pass over plead ignorance shrug off take rap for wink at

Antonyms

STRONGEST

accuse blame censure charge condemn damn hurt punish sentence

STRONG

aggravate hold incite irritate keep limit maintain prevent restrain reveal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Jewish community has warned time and again that when hatred is allowed to fester, when it is excused, normalized or mainstreamed, it inevitably leads to violence.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Whoops, excuse me. Pardon me, such a terrible mistake."

From Barron's

In a follow-up post on Monday, Mr Vince said he had not intended to "excuse or legitimise terrorism, or any form of racism", adding that "what happened at Bondi beach is an atrocity".

From BBC

He added: "It was described to me as if it was, excuse the phrase, like a foam party."

From BBC

She said she believed the excitement over white Christmases stemmed from snow slowing things down, meaning it is an excuse be at home with family and "see the beauty of nature".

From BBC

excuse

Example Sentences

Related Words